The Magic of Hex Signs
The name "Hex", has two possible meanings; 1. taken from the German, "die hexe"; meaning Witch or 2. the popularity of the six-pointed star design and the German word for six being "sechs", which sounded like Hex to their English-speaking neighbors.
Either way, these colorful Hex Signs are filled with geometric shapes and elaborate symbols full of meaning and Old World history. They were magical designs of protection created by a "hex-master" or "hexen-meister" to ward off evil, "heverei" (Witchcraft), and to bring good fortune.
The History and Symbolism of The Hex Sign
Hex Signs: Pennsylvania Dutch Barn Symbols & Their Meaning
Amazon Price: $14.96 (as of 11/11/2009)
List Price: $19.95
The authors explore the meaning of hex symbols by examining evidence from popular writers, scholars, and contemporary hex-sign painters. Full-color photographs display the grandeur of this Pennsylvania Dutch phenomenon.
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Shapes and Symbols Used in Hex Signs
Legends and History
The Circle - among the oldest symbols known to man, a symbol of eternity or infinity. Hex signs are traditionally round, utilizing this ancient symbol of continuity.
Distelfink (German: goldfinch, the good luck bird of the Pennsylvania Germans.) - good luck and happiness;
Two Distelfinks - good fortune doubled
Two Distelfinks Crossed - true friendship
Doves or Birds of Paradise - friendship, camaraderie, peace, purity and happiness. The beauty, wonder and mystery of life.
Crescent Moons - the four seasons, fertility, birth
Eagle - strength, courage, clarity of vision
Heart - true love, lasting love, charity, and love for others
Oak Leaf - long life, endurance, strength in body, mind and character.
Pineapple - welcome, hospitality, friendship
Raindrops - water, crop abundance and fertility
Rosettes - good luck
Scallops - ocean waves, smooth sailing in life
Stars - 5-Pointed Star - protection from fire and lightning or a protection for livestock, good fortune, hope, love, fertility, energy and harmony.
-The Eight-Pointed Star- The star is usually blue and symbolizes goodwill. Good omens, light and protection.
The Triple Star - good luck, success and happiness.
Sun Wheel - warmth and fertility
Trinity Tulips - proclaim faith, hope and charity
Wheat - abundance and goodwill
Sources: Igou, Brad. The Story of the Hex Sign (Available http://www.amishnews.com/featurearticles/Storyofhexsigns), Symbols.Com
Bring These Beautiful Hex Signs Home!
Hex Sign: Morning Birds 12": Health and Happiness
Amazon Price: $10.92 (as of 11/11/2009)
Hex Sign: Friendship 12": Love and Friendship
Amazon Price: $10.92 (as of 11/11/2009)
Hex Sign: Wilkum Sign 16: Welcomes Others.
Amazon Price: $12.14 (as of 11/11/2009)
Hex Sign: Dutch Irish Hex 8": Symbolizes good luck for the Irish
Amazon Price: $5.80 (as of 11/11/2009)
Hex Sign: American Eagle 24": Strength and Independence
Amazon Price: $26.38 (as of 11/11/2009)
Colors and Meaning in Hex Signs
Black - protection, unity, binds elements together
Blue - protection, peace, calmness, heaven and spirituality
Brown - mother earth, cycle of life or friendship and strength
Green - life, growth, fertility, success, ideas that grow
Orange - abundance in career, projects and matters needing an added push
Red - emotions, strength, passion, charisma, lust and creativity
Violet - sacred, dignity, royalty
White - purity, power of the moon, positive energy
Yellow - health in body and mind, the sun, connection to God
More Hex Signs
Hex Sign: Good Luck 24": Good Luck, Love, and Happiness.
Amazon Price: $26.38 (as of 11/11/2009)
Hex Sign: Joy and Prosperity 8": Petal Rosette, Joy and Prosperity to One and All.
Amazon Price: $5.80 (as of 11/11/2009)
Hex Sign: Distlefink 24": Good Luck and Happiness for All
Amazon Price: $26.38 (as of 11/11/2009)
Hex Sign: 8 Pointed Star 24": Abundance and Goodwill
Amazon Price: $26.38 (as of 11/11/2009)
Hex Sign: Maple Leaf 8" Hex: Appreciation of Life's Beauty.
Amazon Price: $5.80 (as of 11/11/2009)
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Your Thoughts and Feedback
Pastiche wrote...
I live in Pennsylvania "Dutch" country and it's a real treat to see beautiful and symbolic hex signs on the barns and covered bridges in this region. Featured on my Pennsylvania Dutch country local lens in the hex signs module - thanks for this beautifully researched and presented lens.
Posted September 02, 2009
Melissa wrote
Great info, love the pages pics and all the color ;)
Posted June 25, 2009
TheLovingGod wrote...
"Another great one by the Queen of Symbols! Well done."[in reply to RinchenChodron]
Ya she sure is the queen of symbols.
Posted May 22, 2009
Spitfire70 wrote...
And yet another great lens that I just HAD to lensroll, fav, and give 5* to! Great job!!
Posted May 05, 2009
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